Don’t Quit Before the Miracle Happens

30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord,
31 and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,
saying that he has done it. (NRSV)

Artwork by Eleanor Roberts “All the ends of the earth shall rememberand turn to the Lord;and all the families of the nationsshall worship before him.For dominion belongs to the Lord,and he rules over the nations.” ~ Psalm 22:27-28

This is a psalm of deliverance; indeed, the psalm is titled: “Plea for the Deliverance from Suffering and Hostility.” These verses call for praise and celebration because God has answered the prayers of the afflicted and has not forsaken God’s people. Generations will hear the story of how these people were delivered from their suffering – the community of worshippers is growing with the good news and call to praise the Lord.

“Don’t quit before the miracle happens” is a cliché often heard in 12-step groups, asking those who are tempted to return to their familiar, destructive, addictive ways of coping to instead risk trusting in something bigger, hold on, and have hope.

Sometimes, taking life one day at a time is too overwhelming, and one minute at a time is easier to handle. Whether it is cursing dumb luck for not finding that close, convenient parking space, or doubting the positive outcome of an important medical procedure, we are often tempted to give up. We, too, cry out, “Why are you so far from helping me?” (Psalm 22:1)

Although the results maybe far different than what we had hoped for, this psalm reminds us to continue to hold out on our faith, trusting that God will give us our answer, and is indeed our Divine Deliverer in times of distress.